The Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi is set to hear the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) charge sheet against businessman Robert Vadra in a high-profile money laundering case linked to a Gurugram land deal. The case arises from allegations that Vadra laundered proceeds from a questionable acquisition of 3.53 acres of land in Shikohpur village, Sector 83, Gurugram, involving a transaction dating back to February 2008.
On August 2, 2025, the Rouse Avenue Court issued notices to Robert Vadra and ten other accused individuals and corporate entities named in the charge sheet filed by the ED. This development marks a key step in the prosecution process as the court takes cognizance of the complaint, with a hearing scheduled shortly for Vadra and others to present their defenses. The court’s issuing of notices implies that the next phase will involve formal arguments on the merits of the charge sheet and whether to accept it for trial.
Background and Allegations
The Enforcement Directorate’s investigation, based on a 2018 FIR lodged by Gurugram Police, concerns the alleged fraudulent purchase of land by Vadra’s company, Sky Light Hospitality Pvt Ltd. The FIR accuses Vadra and others of obtaining the land through forged documents and leveraging personal influence to secure commercial licenses hastily granted for the property, which investigators say is a clear case of money laundering under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The land deal reportedly involved a value exceeding Rs 58 crore.
Key accused in the charge sheet besides Vadra include the promoters and directors of Onkareshwar Properties Pvt Ltd—Satyanand Yajee and K S Virk—and related business entities. The ED alleges that the land transaction was linked to proceeds of crime and the subsequent laundering of these proceeds via real estate investments.
Enforcement Directorate’s Actions
Prior to filing the charge sheet, the ED took significant action by attaching 43 immovable properties linked to Vadra and his associates, valued at approximately Rs 37.6 crore. This attachment order followed the agency’s investigation and was intended to prevent the disposal or transfer of assets potentially involved in the laundering scheme. The ED has repeatedly emphasized that the case represents a “classic” example of money laundering activity tied to illicit proceeds from a real estate transaction.
Statements and Reactions
Robert Vadra’s office has strongly denied all allegations, dismissing the ongoing proceedings as an extension of a political witch hunt orchestrated by the current government. Vadra has expressed confidence in his legal defense and stated his intention to fully cooperate with authorities, emphasizing his belief that he will ultimately be cleared of any wrongdoing. The statement described the ED’s action and the charge sheet as politically motivated and intended to malign his reputation.
Responding to the charges, Rahul Gandhi, a senior Congress leader and Vadra’s brother-in-law, publicly supported Vadra and condemned the chargesheet as a decade-long “witch hunt.” He stated on social media that the persecution faced by Vadra and his family was politically motivated harassment aimed at defaming them and that he stands firmly with them as they face the allegations with dignity. Gandhi reiterated his belief that the truth will prevail in the court of law.
Legal Proceedings and Court Process
The case is currently before Special Judge Sushant Changotra at the Rouse Avenue Court. On July 18-19, during preliminary hearings, the court undertook scrutiny of the ED’s voluminous charge sheet and related documents. The court directed the record keeper to verify the documents and prepared for the formal taking of cognizance. The next hearing was slated for August 28, 2025, to hear arguments from the accused and the prosecution.
The court has also directed the ED to furnish copies of the charge sheet to the accused individuals and companies to enable them to prepare their defense. In total, the charge sheet names 11 accused persons and entities, reflecting the complexity of the case and multiple accused.
Summary of the Prosecution’s Case
- Robert Vadra allegedly purchased 3.53 acres of land in Shikohpur, Gurugram, in February 2008.
- The transaction is alleged to have involved forged and fraudulent documents.
- The property was swiftly mutated in favor of Vadra’s company, Sky Light Hospitality Pvt Ltd.
- Commercial licensing for the property was allegedly granted under undue influence.
- The total deal value is over Rs 58 crore.
- The ED alleges this purchase and subsequent transactions represent laundering of proceeds of crime.
- The ED filed the charge sheet under the PMLA and provisionally attached properties worth Rs 37.6 crore related to Vadra and the associated entities.
- Other accused include Onkareshwar Properties Pvt Ltd and its promoters/directors.
Importance and Implications
The money laundering case against Robert Vadra has received considerable media attention given his political family connections, notably being the husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and the son-in-law of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi. This is the second major chargesheet involving members of the Gandhi family within months, the first being related to the National Herald money laundering case filed against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.
The proceedings at Rouse Avenue Court will be closely watched as they unfold, both for their legal outcomes and their political ramifications. The case exemplifies the increasing pace of enforcement actions by agencies like the ED regarding alleged corruption and money laundering by high-profile individuals.
Next Steps
- The Rouse Avenue Court will next hear the case on August 28, 2025.
- The accused, including Robert Vadra, will have the opportunity to respond to the charges.
- The court will decide on taking full cognizance and allowing the trial to proceed based on the evidence presented.
This case continues to develop with the court handling procedural and substantive matters regarding the charge sheet. The accused maintain their innocence, and the outcome will depend on detailed legal examinations in the coming months.